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pile of polar bear paw candy on a holiday plate.
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5 from 6 votes

Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe

These polar bear paw candies are caramel nut clusters (made with peanut and cashews) that are coated in a blanket of creamy white chocolate.
Prep Time35 minutes
Chill Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade candy
Servings: 65 servings
Calories: 116kcal

Ingredients

  • 22 oz caramel bits we use 2 (11 oz each) bags of Kraft brand caramel bits
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup salted cocktail peanuts
  • 1 cup cashew halves
  • 20 - 30 oz white chocolate wafers I use Ghirardelli brand

Instructions

Prepare

  • Line several large baking sheets with wax or parchment paper, then set aside.

Make caramel mixture

  • In a medium saucepan, add caramel bits, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over LOW heat, and stir occasionally until everything is all melted together.
  • Once melted, add salt and vanilla and stir to combine.

Stir in nuts and cool a bit

  • Stir in peanuts and cashews, then remove from the heat and let cool for 15-25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes, so the mixture doesn’t harden.

Scoop

  • Scoop out the peanut mixture in 1/2 Tbsp portions, about 2 inches apart.

Chill

  • Place baking sheets in the refrigerator or freezer for about 15-20 minutes, until set.

Melt chocolate

  • Add wafers to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave at 50% power in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.

Cover and chill

  • Pour a spoonful of melted white chocolate over the top of each nut cluster, then place back in the refrigerator or freezer for another 15-20 minutes, or until set. 

Notes

  1. This recipe should yield about 60-70 candies.
  2. If you'd like a smaller batch, this recipe is easily halved. Just make sure to halve all the ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.2mg